A woman is due in court over the death of a retired teacher who died after being struck by a car outside Marks and Spencer days before Christmas. Rita Grimshaw, from Whitley Bay, was taken to hospital following the collision at Silverlink Retail Park in North Shields on December 22, which involved a cream and black Renault Captur. The 81-year-old passed away the following day.
Charge and court date
Linda Hall, of Murrayfield in Seghill, Northumberland, has been charged with causing death by careless driving. She is due to appear before North Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on Friday, August 14.
Sergeant Dave Roberts, of Northumbria Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Our thoughts very much remain with Rita’s family and loved ones, and we continue to offer them support following her death. Following a thorough investigation a person has now been charged in this case and would ask that members of the public avoid speculation and respect the ongoing legal process.”
Family tribute
Rita’s family paid tribute to her following her death. In a statement, they said: “Rita, who was born in Teesside and lived in Whitley Bay, dedicated more than 30 years of her life to teaching. Throughout her long and distinguished career, she was known for her professionalism, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the children and families she supported.”
“Colleagues remember her as a calm and trusted presence, someone who shaped countless young lives with patience, fairness, and integrity. Outside of her professional life, Rita was a devoted mother to her two children and a proud grandmother to five. Her family were at the heart of everything she did, and she approached each role she held with the same warmth, care, and sense of responsibility that defined her working life.”
“In her youth, Rita was a keen dancer, and those who knew her say that her sense of energy and joy stayed with her throughout her life. She remained an active and respected figure in her local community, known for her kindness, reliability, and willingness to help others whenever she could.”
“Rita will be remembered as a true pillar of the community, someone who gave generously of herself, supported others without hesitation, and made a lasting difference to so many people. Her loss is felt deeply by her family, friends, former pupils, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.”
Appeal for witnesses
Officers are still appealing for witnesses to the collision. Anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police quoting reference number NP-20251222-0752.
